Harare
In a heartbreaking turn of events, the once-dominant West Indies cricket team, renowned as the Kings of the Cricket World Cup, were knocked out of the World Cup qualifications, leaving fans and cricket enthusiasts disheartened. Their defeat at the hands of Scotland by 7 wickets has resulted in the two-time champion being eliminated from the highly anticipated 2023 World Cup.
The match against Scotland showcased a lacklustre performance from the West Indies team, marked by missed catches, poor shot selection, and an overall display of juvenile cricket. Failing to capitalise on their home-ground advantage, where they had played the majority of their matches in the tournament, they could only manage a meagre total of 181 runs to defend in 50 overs.
For those who grew up admiring cricket almost four decades ago, witnessing the decline of West Indian cricket is deeply disheartening. The memories of their awe-inspiring fast bowling, explosive batting, and raw talent that made them the undisputed kings of the Cricket World Cup in the 80s and 90s are now overshadowed by their recent struggles.
Statistics highlight their dominance between 1976 and 1995, which coincided with their golden era. West Indies won 71 of the 137 Tests they played in that era, losing only 18ca win-loss ratio of 3.89. In the 1980s, they went through a period when they did not lose a single match for 27 consecutive Test matches (still a record). They went from 1980-1995 without losing a series. The team’s pace battery did not concede more than 26 runs per wicket, with bowlers like Marshall and Garner boasting a bowling average of less than 21.
In the shorter format of the game too, the Windies were unstoppable. Apart from winning the 1975 and 1979 World Cups, the Windies were consistent performers in One Day Internationals, winning 173 of the 270 matches played between 1979 and 1995—a win percentage of just over 64. In the 1980s, when One Day cricket was emerging out of the shadows of Test cricket, Vivian Richards’ fearless “stand and deliver” approach took the Windies team to new heights.
Dharmesh Jani, a prominent member of the Indian diaspora, reminiscing about the West Indian cricket prowess, expressed his disappointment. “We grew up on the folktales of West Indian bravado in cricket, and our romance with the sport began in the 80s and 90s,” he said, while sipping his juice at the picturesque Harare Sports Club.
Joining the conversation, Maj Vinit Saxena, a retired Army officer and Jani’s corporate colleague, voiced his concern: “It’s the demise of WI cricket.” His strong words mirror the sentiments of many cricket fans who feel the team has fallen far from its former glory. Calls for change and accountability within the team are growing louder, and the performance of players and management will undoubtedly face intense scrutiny.
Telford Vice, a renowned cricket scribe from the 90s, summed up the current state of the West Indies team aptly, saying, “This WI team is not just a 180 runs talent team. This West Indian team plays with a 180 runs mindset.” It is a sad reality that the team’s performance seems to be limited by a lack of confidence and strategic acumen.
As the consequences of their early exit from the World Cup qualifications sink in, fans and critics alike are left contemplating the future of West Indian cricket. The team’s decline serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced in sustaining dominance in a sport that demands continuous evolution and adaptation.
HOW IT UNFOLDED
Scotland’s decision to bowl first proved to be a wise one as they restricted the West Indies to a meagre total of 181 runs in their allotted 43.5 overs. Jason Holder emerged as the top scorer for the West Indies with a gritty knock of 45 runs off 79 balls, but the rest of the batting lineup faltered, with only five players reaching double figures.
In response, Scotland chased down the target comfortably, securing a victory with three wickets in hand and 3.3 overs to spare. Matthew Cross played a pivotal role in Scotland’s triumph, remaining unbeaten with a commendable innings of 74 runs off 107 deliveries, including seven boundaries. Brandon McMullan also made a significant contribution with a well-crafted 69 runs off 106 balls, featuring eight fours and a six.
The West Indies bowlers, led by Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, and Akil Houssen, managed to claim one wicket each, but couldn’t contain Scotland’s determined batting lineup. Brandon McMullan’s three-wicket haul was instrumental in restricting the West Indies to a below-par total, while Chris Soul, Mark Watt, Chris Greaves, and Safyaan Sharif also made crucial contributions with the ball, taking two wickets each.
With this defeat, the West Indies’ hopes of qualifying for the highly anticipated World Cup 2023 were dashed. The tournament, scheduled to be held in India, is set to commence on 5 October and culminate with the title match on 19 November. The West Indies will now need to regroup and reassess their strategies to bounce back and reclaim their spot among the world’s top cricketing nations.Sunil Yash Kalra is a Women’s Cricket Historian & Founder of Indian Sports Fans